Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Garlic Herb Butter is a delightful side dish that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory. The natural sweetness of the roasted sweet potatoes is enhanced by the golden caramelized edges, while the garlic herb butter infuses each bite with rich flavors of garlic, rosemary, thyme, and parsley. This dish is perfect for family dinners, holiday feasts, or even a weekday meal when you want something both nutritious and indulgent. Easy to prepare yet full of flavor, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
For the Garlic Herb Butter:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Preparation
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Place them in a large mixing bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cinnamon (if using). Toss well to coat each piece evenly.
Step 3: Arrange Sweet Potatoes on Baking Sheet
Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes evenly on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Ensure there’s enough space between the pieces so they can roast evenly. Avoid overcrowding, which can lead to steaming rather than roasting.
Step 4: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. The sweet potatoes should be fork-tender and slightly caramelized around the edges.
Step 5: Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, prepare the garlic herb butter. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Stir frequently for 2-3 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in salt, pepper, and lemon juice (if using).
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Once the sweet potatoes are done roasting, remove them from the oven. Drizzle the garlic herb butter over the roasted sweet potatoes and gently toss to combine. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with a bit more fresh parsley if desired.
COOKING Note
- Be sure to cut the sweet potatoes uniformly for even cooking. Pieces that are too small may overcook and dry out, while larger pieces may not cook through completely.
- If you prefer a vegan option, you can substitute the butter with vegan butter or a high-quality olive oil.
- Feel free to adjust the herbs based on your preference. Other great options include sage, oregano, or dill.
- Roasting at a high temperature (400°F) helps the sweet potatoes caramelize and develop a deeper flavor. If you prefer softer potatoes with less caramelization, you can reduce the oven temperature to 375°F.
Serving Suggestions
- Holiday Feast: Serve this dish as a side for holiday meals, pairing it with roasted turkey, ham, or prime rib.
- Weeknight Dinner: Enjoy it alongside grilled chicken, baked salmon, or a simple green salad for a balanced and satisfying meal.
- Vegetarian Meal: Make it the star of the meal by serving over a bed of quinoa or couscous, topped with a sprinkle of feta or goat cheese.
- Brunch Option: Pair with scrambled eggs or an omelette for a cozy and nourishing brunch option.
Tips
- Make Ahead: You can peel and cut the sweet potatoes in advance, storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Storage: Leftover roasted sweet potatoes can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
- Crispier Potatoes: If you want extra crispy potatoes, bake them for an additional 5-10 minutes or increase the oven temperature to 425°F for the last 5 minutes of roasting.
- Microwave Shortcut: If you’re short on time, you can par-cook the sweet potatoes in the microwave for a few minutes before roasting to reduce the oven time.
- Add Crunch: Consider adding some toasted nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for a crunchy texture contrast.
- Extra Flavor: For a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the herb butter mixture.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cooking Time:
30 minutes
Total Time:
45 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
Conclusion
Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Garlic Herb Butter is a versatile and flavorful side dish that complements a wide range of meals. With its balance of savory herbs and the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes, it’s a dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also customizable to suit your taste preferences. The vibrant color and aromatic flavors will leave your guests asking for seconds. Give this recipe a try, and it might just become your go-to side for both casual dinners and festive gatherings!
Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Garlic Herb Butter
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
For the Garlic Herb Butter:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Place them in a large mixing bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cinnamon (if using). Toss well to coat each piece evenly.
Step 3: Arrange Sweet Potatoes on Baking Sheet
Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes evenly on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Ensure there’s enough space between the pieces so they can roast evenly. Avoid overcrowding, which can lead to steaming rather than roasting.
Step 4: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. The sweet potatoes should be fork-tender and slightly caramelized around the edges.
Step 5: Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, prepare the garlic herb butter. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Stir frequently for 2-3 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in salt, pepper, and lemon juice (if using).
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Once the sweet potatoes are done roasting, remove them from the oven. Drizzle the garlic herb butter over the roasted sweet potatoes and gently toss to combine. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with a bit more fresh parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 220
- Sodium: 320mg
- Protein: 3g